July 1998 | Court Upholds Immigrants’ Rights in the Workplace

In a decision that significantly broadens the legal rights of undocumented employees, a state appeals court has ruled that they are protected by California’s anti-discrimination laws and can sue employers over sexual harassment and other job abuse.

The ruling marks the first time that any California court has affirmatively held that undocumented workers have the same workplace rights as other employees. Until now, employers and immigrant rights lawyers had no clear guidance on these rights, resulting in few suits being brought and some employers abusing workers with little fear of legal consequences.